More than thanksSourced
Japan · Japanese meaning
Katajikenai can also express shame
The Japanese word katajikenai may sound like an expression of gratitude. A dictionary also records senses of being humbled or feeling unworthy, and being ashamed. Its meanings extend beyond a simple thank-you.
Gratitude shares this word with feelings of humility and shame.
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かたじけない · Wikimedia contributors
Adapted, summarized and translated from the source. Adapted text is also available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reviewed: 2026-10-10